Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Campana said Vasquez obtained high-end merchandise at the stores by scanning bar codes for lower priced items at self-check-out stations but taking more expensive items out of the stores.

Campana said Vasquez would then return the higher ticketed items to another Home Depot in return for store value cards.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office.